Rob Roy Way: Killin to Ardtalnaig

Summary

From Killin the Rob Roy Way soon leaves the bustle of Killin behind to climbs across high moorland on the south side of Loch Tay before descending to Ardeonaig to follow the road to Ardtalnaig. Peaceful and particularly stunning when the heather is in bloom, the moorland section can be exposed in poor weather.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Minor road, moorland track, boggy pathless (but waymarked) section, steep climb on road.

Getting there

Start

Falls of Dochart, Killin.

Public Transport

Buses to Killin, no public transport to Ardtalnaig.

Start Grid Ref

NN571324

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Services

Killin is a popular village with hotels and inns, guest houses, places to eat and shops. There may be cabins to rent near Ardtalnaig.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 19.25km / 12 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 521m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

From Killin take the minor road on the south side of the bridge over the Falls of Dochart, signed for Ardeonaig and South Loch Tay, next to the Falls of Dochart Inn. Follow the road under the railway and as it climbs gently uphill there are some good views across to the Tarmachan Ridge on the left. After 1.5km the road crosses a small stone bridge, immediately after take the very minor road on the right heading uphill, it is not waymarked but there is a 'No unauthorised vehicles' sign.

Stage 2

The road climbs very steeply with some breaks in the forestry providing good views over the head of Loch Tay, to the Tarmachan Ridge and Ben Lawers range. When the road emerges from the forestry, it goes through a gate, where a slightly off-putting sign warns of deer stalking, and continues at an easier gradient.

Stage 3

The road crosses a bridge and goes through a gate before climbing to reach the dam of Loch Breaclaich, built as part of a wider hydro electric scheme. Follow the road around the north side of the loch and keep left when the road forks. Soon the loch is left behind and a vast expanse of rolling heather moorland opens up ahead. This area feels a world away from the busy settlements of Killin, Callander and Aberfoyle earlier in the route.

Stage 4

The track (now unsurfaced) winds across the moor; ignore a track ahead to a mast at one point, staying on the route which bends right. The track climbs to pass from where there are good views of the high peaks in the area. Once round the corner the track starts to gradually descend with Loch Tay visible ahead in the distance.

Stage 5

Eventually a large pipeline is reached and the track runs alongside it. At a clear corner, where the track and pipe turn sharp right, you leave the track to head left across the boggy ground aiming between the two areas of forestry, keeping the Newton Burn on your left. There is no real path for the first section but it is waymarked by yellow posts; it can be very wet underfoot. Aim for the left side of the burn and once this is reached a more worn path can be picked up that weaves between the remains of old shielings as it heads downhill. The block of forestry on your right is the next landmark, aim to reach the left hand corner of it where a gate allows access through a stone wall (there is also a small gate half way along the wall).

Stage 6

After the gate follow first the left then the right side of a drainage ditch heading NWN to pick up a track leading to a gate and then a ford. If the water is too high follow the fence to the left before the gate to reach a bridge, otherwise use the stepping stones at the ford and follow the track on the far side of the Newton Burn to reach Brae Farm going through a farm gate on the way. Pass behind the farm buildings, heading through two sets of gates and follow the track to another gate at the houses and outdoor centre on the edge of Ardeonaig. Keep following the track downhill until the south Loch Tay road is reached.

Stage 7

The Ardeonaig Hotel is opposite. To continue the walk, turn right onto the road and follow it east with good views over the water. The single track road can be surprisingly busy at times and is very popular with cyclists. It provides an easy section of walking and great views until the small settlement at Ardtalnaig is reached.

Next stage:Ardtalnaig to Aberfeldy

Alternative route: Ardtalnaig to Amulree

Route Profile

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